Rudolph m



(No Model.)

R. M. HUNTER.

ELECTRIC RAILWAY GAR.

No. 445,144.. Patented Jan. 20,1891.

STATES fin PATENT CFFICE.

RUDOLPH M. HUNTER, CF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO THEELECTRIC CAR COMPANY OF AMERICA, OF SAME PLACE.

ELECTRIC-RAILWAY CAR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 445,144, dated January20, 1891.

Application filed October 4, 1386. Serial No. 215,199. (No model.)

To all whom t may conc/71711:

Be it known that I, RUDOLPH M. HUNTER, of the city and county ofPhiladelphia, and State of Pennsylvania, have invented anIliiprovementin Electric-Railway Cars, of which the following is aspecification.

My invention has reference to electric railways; and it consists incertain improvements, all of which are fully set forth in the followingspecification, and shown in the accompanying drawings, which form partthereof.

In applying an electric motor to an ordinary street or passenger carithas been the custom to support the motor on a frame suspended from thecar-axles, so that the connection between the said niotor and axles isiixed, no matter how much the car-body may rise and fall upon itssprings. The disadvantage of this construction lies in the fact that themotor is necessarily located in a position in which it is difficult toattend to it, and defects are not readily perceived. Of course it hasbeen proposed to mount the niotor on the car-body and connect it bybelts or chains with the axles; but such mechanical connections betweenthe motor and axles are obj ectionable in many respects and will neverbe used to any extent.

My object is to provide asuitable construction whereby the motor may bepositively geared or connected with the axles and yet be whollysupported by the car-body and be arranged under the drivers platform inthe front of the car, whereby suitable trap-doors may be provided bywhich the motor may be easily inspected. In carrying out this part of myinvention I provide, preferably, the rear axle with a worin-wheel andlocate the motor under the front platform, as above explained. Themotor-shaft is made to extend back, and is provided with a worm whichmeshes with the worin-wheel on the rearaxle, whereby motion is impartedtothe car. The rear end of this shaft is supported in bearings which arejournaled upon the axle. It will now be evident that the ordinarymovements to the carbody will not affect the inotor-connection. Thisconstruction might be still more iniproved by supporting the motor ontrunnions.

Another portion of my invention has reference to a brake device for anelectricallypropelled car of the nature herein set out. In theconstruction of this part of my improvement I provide the motor-shaftwith a conical brake-shoe which normally runs out vof contact with aconical socket brake-sui'- face. If the relative speed ofthe motor isslackened below that of the worm-wheel, the shaft is caused to movelongitudinally and press the brake-slice upon the brake-surface,arresting the rotation of the motor-shaft, and consequently thecar-axle. This is an ex tremely simple and automatic device andeffective in its action. Then it is desired to run backward, this brakeis prevented from coming into action by means of an adj ustablethrust-block being thrown into position to prevent the longitudinalmovement of the motor-shaft.

My object is also to provide a system of electric conductors which shallcombine overhead and surface conductors, 011e being the positive and theother the negative. rIhe overhead conductor is preferably the positiveand the surface or underground conductor the negative. The surfaceconductor I pi'efer to make into sections, arranged upon theroad-surface and combined with an embedded supply-coiiductor withautomatic switches, which shall connect the supply-conductor with thesection of working-conductor in connection with one of the collectors ofthe inotor or cai'. By this means the negative working-conductor may beexposedon the surface of the roadway and have normally no injuriouscurrent passing through it; and, further, sucli method of normallycutting out the sections prevents undue leakage. The principle of theseelectric switches with sectional workingconductors. andcontinuous-supply conductors is fully set out in my application tiledJune 2l, 1886, and numbered 205,770. It is understood that the surfacesectional conductor may be the positive and the overhead or suspendedconductor the negative, if desi red, though the former arrangement ispreferable. The collector whiclitravels o n the suspended conductor isso constructed that it constantly grips the conductor with a fixed IOO 'larged sectional elevation of nection with the car-axle and brake,substantially as setout in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an elevation of theoverhead collector. Fig. 5 is a cross-'sect-ionfof the road-bed, showingthe surface conductor; and Fig. 6 is an elevation showin gtheconstruction ofthe electric switch for the section surfaceworking-conductor.

A are theY rails.

Bis the car-body, and is supported upon i the usual springs D.

C are the axles, and 7a the car-wheels. Upon the rear axle is secured aworm-wheel K. Y

FY is the electric motor, which is preferably supported Vunder the frontplatform E, and, if desired, hung to the car-body by trunnions e. Inplace of hanging the motor on trunnions, it might be rigidly connected.lf'the motor is under the platform, hinged doors f would be arrangedover the same to allow of ready inspection of the motor either duringrunning or when stopping.Y It is evident that Ythe motor might besupported farther back under the car-body, if desired-for instance, overthe front axle. The motor-shaft G extends rearward and is provided withawormwheel I, which meshes with the worm K on the rear axle. This shaft Gis supported in the rear by bearings H, the rear one of which hasthrust-diskt'and an adj ustingscrew J. The forward part of thebearing-frame H is provided with the conical brake-surface M, into whichfits the conical brake-shoe N, which is secured'fast to the'sh'aft G onworm-wheel I. Normally the brake-shoe does not run in contact with thesurface M, as the tendency of the worm is to draw the shaft G and itsshoe N back, and this is still further insured by the spring fn. Fromthis construction it will be seen that when the car is being propelledforward the worm tends to move back and the shaft G works against thethrust-plates t' in the rear bearing. If now it is desired to stop themovement of the car, the motoris slowed down, andas its speed is reducedthere is a time when the tendency'of the worm to rotate exceeds thetendency of the worm to rotate it. Hence the effect is to move the shaftG longitudinally sufficient to cause the shoe N to come into contactwith the brake-surface M and tend to bring the car quickly to rest. Thisconstruction would enable a fastspeed worm to be used and would arrestthe tendency of the worm-wheel to revolve the worm. The spring fn tendsto oppose the ac- Vtion of the brake-shoe, so as to assist in rcstoringthe parts to their normal workin g condition. To prevent the brake beingapplied when the motor is reversed, athrust-collar m is placed upon theshaft Gand a thrust-block O is forced up in front of said collar by ahandlever o before reversing the motor, and when running backward a simple movement of lever o to withdraw the block O will apply the brake.The shaft G may, if desired, be divided with a longitudinally-slidingcoupling q to admit of the longitudinal action'of thershaft in' applyingthe brake without moving the armature to any extent. Such a coupling isshown in Fig. 3. The iiexible connection g in themotor-shaft G andarranged between the motor F and the worm I, being formed with a groovedsocket and feathers orkeys uponthe respect ive portions of the shaft,permits the longi tudinal and lateral movement of the motor with respectto the worm Ywithout interfering with the proper running of the motor.It obviates all binding and Vcompensates for the various movements thatYmight take place to the motor with respect to the axle to which it isgeared. This flexible coupling in the motor-shaft provides for allstrains andtwists which the shaft might sustain. Any other suitableflexible coupling device may be employed, if so desired, and it isobvious that` this arrangement of motor and flexible shaft may beemployed for transmitting power for various other purposes.

By the foregoing eonstructionfifV thercar- Y S body rides up and downupon its springs the movements will not'aifect the connection of themotor with the axle.

It will be observed that the vehicle-body is mounted onA springs and toit the motor is connected so as to ride vertically, and by the bearing Hand shaft G the motor is hinged to the axle, so that it may moveconcentrically with respect to the axle.

F is a dust shield or cover to protect the entire motor or working partsof same from the great dust raised by the car rushing over dirtystreets. It is immaterial to mv invention how this dust shield or coverfor protecting the entire motor is formed or of what material it ismade, and it is also to be understood that I do notlimit myself to thelocation of this shield as being under the front platform, for it wouldbe located about the motor no matter where said motor might be locatedupon the car. In many cases the protecting covering or shield to themotor would be lo: cated between the axles, and might be formed ofmetal, wood, or fabrics.

L is a longitudinal bar connecting two frames Z, one on each axle tohold them in posit-ion, and to one of said frames is secured thecollector-brush X, which makes contact with the surface conductor R. Anyother form of collector may be used, if desired. The

motor F is formed with its field-magnet cores and armature-shaft insubstantially the same plane and extends across the car, beingjour- IOCIIO

IIS

`naled on each side of the car at e'. It will thus be seen. that themotor is supported in swinging bearings beneath the car.

P is the overhead or suspended conductor carried upon shoes p atintervals apart, and which shoes are secured upon posts P'. Thisconductor may connect directly with the generator Z or source ofelectric energy, or may be connected therewith through a supplyconductorl), connecting the distant end of conductor P with the generator,whereby the A line-resistance through the motor and return may be equalfor all positions of the motor on the line, as set out in my applicationNo. 171,625, ofJuly 14, 1885, orNo. 200,400, of April 28, 1886. Thesectional surface conductor R may be made continuous or in sections, thelatter being preferred. In cross-section it is preferably T-shaped andembedded in concrete or other suitable hard insulating material A2,contained in a trough A', arranged parallel with the track and, ifdesired, between the rails thereof. The particular location isimmaterial. The trough A may be made of wood or metal, and, if desired,may be dispensed with.

In place of using' a separate conductor, one of the railsmay be used asa conductor. lf the conductor R is made in sections, a supply-conductora must be used connecting with the generator an d connected at intervalswith said sections of surface working-cond uctor by branches s, whichmay contain suitable switches R', to normally cut out said sections ofworking-conductor. The supplyconductor, if desired, may be embedded inthe concrete, and the switches are located in suitable boxes or casesA3, arranged in the roadway. The conductor-sections R may be held downby bolts r, which pass through the concrete and fasten to the bottom ofthe trough, or they may be simply held in the concret-e, and the uppersurface of the conductor is on a level with or a little above theconcrete and is arranged with a concrete insulation on each side.

The preferred construction of switches R is shown in Fig. G, in which itwill be seen that the working-conductor R and supplyconductor c areconnected through a branch circuit s, including a high-resistance magnetS, having an armature S2, which operates a spring circuit-breaker s' insaid circuit s, whereby the high-resistance magnet may be cut in or outof circuit. S' is a lowresist ance magnet, also acting upon armature S2;but this low-resistance magnet is normally cut out of circuit. When,however, the armature S2 is attracted, it operates a springcircuit-closer s2, to close the circuit S3 around the high-resistancemagnet and simultaneously breaks the circuit s. The springcon taets s's2 are so arranged that one contact is made before the other is broken,and vice versa. Normally no current is passing to the section R; but assoon as the car runs upon a section the current will flow, as indicatedby arrows, Fig. G, and the armature S2 will be attracted, which onrising closes the circuit through the low-resistance magnet and thencuts the high-resistance magnet and the current passes in great strengthto the workingconductor. In the construction shown in Fig. 1 thecircuit-breaker s' is dispensed with.

The current is collected from the suspended conductor by a travelingtruck Q, dragged after the car by a cable This truck Q is shown in Fig.4, and is shown as consisting of two wheels Q', connected together in aframe Q2.

Q4 is a gripping-wheel arranged upon the under side of the conductorandj ournaled in the bell-crank Q3, which is in turn hinged or journaled tothe frame Q2 and drawn toward it, so as to grip the conductor betweenthe wheels Q' and Q, by a spring q. The tuggingcable Q5 connects withthe free end of the bell-crank Q2, and is so arranged that the line oftension orpull is somewhat below the axle of the leading wheel Q. Bythis means the grip on the conductor will be constant. At the points ofsupport or union of two ends of conductor there will be an enlargement,and to pass these enlargements without materially changing the degree oftension upon the conductor the wheel Q4 must be somewhat lowered. Thisis accomplished bythe pull upon the cable Q5 by the car when thecarriage Q is temporarily arrested by the enlargement, which increasedpull oscillates the bell-crank Q3 and lowers the grippingroller Q4. (Seedotted lines, Fig. 4.) This enables the friction contact to be constantor practically constant at all times, and provides automatic means topositively operate the collector-can riage to quickly pass overobstructions.

T is the motor-circuit, and is subdivided into a circuit T', whichincludes the armature, and a circuit T2, which includes the fieldmagnetsof the motor F. Each of these circuits has its own independentresistancechanger t, and the armature-circuit T' has also acurrent-reverser U for reversing the motor. This enables a strong fieldto be used at starting, and a gradually -increasing armature strength,and as the motor approaches its maximum normal speed the field may bereduced. This enables a perfect working of the motor and embodies theconstruction set out in my application No. 214,309, filed September 23,1886.

To use the motor as a braking-dynamo iii the manner set out in myapplication No. 195,742, tiled March 18, 1886,'1 provide a circuit V,having preferably a variable resistance lV, whichcircuit may be cut inby switch Uto short-circuit the armature of the motor, converting itinto a dynamo. To stop the car it will only be necessary to cut incircuit V, short-circuiting the armature and offering a resistance toits rotation,which action would also apply the brake, as before set out.

XVhile I prefer the construction herein shown, do not limit myself tothe details IOO TIO

thereof, as they may be modified in various ways without departing frommy invention.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In an electric railway, the combination of a car-truck, a car-bodysupported thereon by springs, an electric motor carried by the car-body,located below the oor and independent of the truck, connecting-gearingbetween the motor-shaft and axle of the truck, and a frame for thegearing and motor-shaft sleeved on the axle independent of the carbody.

2. In an electric railway, the combination of a car-truck, a car-bodysupported thereon by springs, an electric motor carried by the car-bodyand suspended below the iioor in front ofthe forward axle oi' the truckand having its shaft arranged longitudinally on the car and below thefloor thereof, and connecting-gearin g between the motor-shaft and rearaxle of the truck, also located below the floor of the car-body.

3. In an electric railway, the combination of a car-truck, a car-bodysupported thereon, an electric motor carried by the car-body and locatedWholly under the front platform, connecting-gearing between the motorand axle of the truck located below the car-body and independent of it,a regulator for the motor arranged upon the platform, and connectingcircuits between the regulator and motor.

4. In an electric railway, the combination of the car-truck, a car-bodysupported thereon, an electric motor carried by the car-body under thefront platform independently of the axles of the truck, a door on saidplatform to expose the motor, and connecting-gearing between the motorand axle of the truck.

5. The combination of the car-axle, the carbody supported thereon, anelectric motor supported by the car-body, a longitudinal bea-ringindependent of the car-body for the motor-shaft, journaled upon andadapted to move concentrically with the axle to keep the end of themotor-shaft always in a fixed relation to the said axle, andconnecting-gearing independent of the car-body between said shaft andaxle.

6. The combination of the car-axle, the carbody supported thereon bysprings, an electric motor supported by the car-body, bearings for themotor-shaft independent of the car-bod y, adapted to move concentricallywith the axle to keep the end'of the motor-shaft always in a fixedrelation tothe said axle, and connecting-gearing independent of thecarbody between said shaft and axle.

7. The combination of the car-axle, the carbody supported thereon, anelectric motor pivoted or hinged below the car-body, a motorshaftadapted to move concentrically with the axle to keep the end of themotor-shaft always in a fixed relation to the said axle, a bearingarranged below the car-body and supported on the axle independent of thecarbody to support the end of the motor-shaft, and connecting-gearingbetween said shaft and axle.

S. The combination of the car-axles, the carbody supported thereon bysprings, an electric motor arranged under the forward platform, amotor-shaft extending obliquely rearward to the rear axle, a bearing forsaid shaft on the axle to hold it a given distance from the axle, andconnecting-gearing between said axle and shaft.

9. The combination of the car-axles, the carbody supported thereon, anelectric motor arranged under the forward platform, a motorshaftextending rearward to the rear axle, a bearing for said shaft on theaxle to hold it a given distance from the axle, connectinggearingbetween said axle and shaft, and a removable platform over the motor.

10. The combination of the car-axles, the car-body supported thereon bysprings, an electric motor arranged under the forward platform, amotor-shaft extending rearward to the rear axle, a bearing for saidshaft on the axle to hold it a given distance from .the axle,connecting-gearing between said axle and shaft, and an adjustablethrust-box at the rear end of the motor-shaft.

ll. The combination of the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinally-movablemotor-shaft, a worm and worm-wheel connection between the said shaft andaxle, a brake-shoe carried by the shaft, and a stationary brake-surfaceplaced so that` as the motor slows down thel brakeshoe is thrust againstthe brake-surface.

12. The combination of the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinally-movablemotor-shaft, a worm and worm-wheel connection between the said shaft andaxle, a brake-shoe carried by the shaft, a stationary brake-surfaceplaced so that as the motor slows down the brakeshoe is thrust againstthe brake-surface, and a movable thrust-bearing to prevent. thelongitudinal movement of the motor-shaft.

13. The combination of the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinally-movablemotor-shaft, a worm and worm-wheel connection between the said shaft andaxle, a brake-shoe carried by the shaft, a stationary brake-surfaceplaced so that as the motor slows down the brakeshoe is thrust againstthe brake-surface, a movable thrust-bearing to prevent the longitudinalmovement of the motor-shaft, and a hand-lever to operate thethrust-bearing.

14. The combination of the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinally-movablemotor-shaft, a worm and worm-wheel connection between the said shaft andaxle, a brake-shoe carried by the shaft, a stationary thrust-bearing atone end, a spring to press the shaft against said bearing, and astationary brake-surface placed so that as the motor slows down thebrake-shoe is thrust against the brake-surface.

15. The combination of the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinallymovablejointed mo- IIO , I ...li

the said shaft and axle, a brake-shoe carried tor-shaft, the two partsthereof being` connected by a sliding coupling, a worm and worm-wheelconnection between the said shaft and axle, a brake-shoe carried by theshaft, and a stationary brake-surface placed so that as the motor slowsdown the brake-shoe is thrust against the brake-surface.

16. The combination of a motor, a vehicle propelled thereby, amechanical connection between the motor-shaft and axle of the vehicle,and a brake-shoe actuated by the inotor-shaft placed so that the brakeis put into action when the revolution ot' said shaft is slowed down.

17. The combination of the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinally-movablemotor-shaft, a worm and worm-wheel connection between the said shaft andaxle, a brake-shoe carried bythe shaft, a stationary brake-surfaceplaced so that as the motor slows down the brakeshoe is thrust againstthe brake-surface, a source of electric energy, and means to reverse thecurrent in the motor.

1S. rlhe combination of the motor, the caraxles, alongitudinally-movable motor-shaft, a worm andv worm-wheel connectionbetween by the shaft, a stationary brake-surface placed so that as themotor slows down the brakeshoe is thrust against the brake-surface, asource of elect-ric energy, a motor-circuit, and

means to short-circuit the armature to make' the motor act as agenerator and assist the mechanical brake.

19. The combination et the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinally-movablemotor-shaft, a worm and worm-wheel connection between the said shaft andaxle, a brake-shoe carried by the shaft, a stationary brake-surfaceplaced so that as the motor slows down the brakeshoe is thrust againstthe brake-surface, a source of electric energy, a motorcircuit, means toshort-circuit the armature to make the motor act as a generator andassist the mechanical brake, and a resistance-changer in saidarmature-circuit.

20. In an electric car or vehicle, the vehicle axle having a iixedvertical relation to the earth, in combination with a motor having itsbody supported on springs independently of the axle, but connectedthereto so that it may move in the are et` a circle about said axle, andconnecting-gearing supported by the axle independently of themotor-support and arranged between the axle and motorshaft.

21. In an electrically-propelled vehicle, the combination of the vehicleaxle, a frame supported upon the axle with provision for verticalmovement and also capable of moving upon the axle as an axis, anelectric motor having its held-magnets connected to the frame and beingalso hinged to the axle through said frame and the motor-shaft andgearing, and connecting-gearing between the motor shaft and axle.

2i. In an electrically-propelled vehicle, the

combination of the vehicle-axle,a frame supported upon said axle throughthe lmediation of springs with provision for vertical movement andcapable of moving upon the axle as an axis, an electric motor having itsfieldmagnets connected to the frame and being hinged to the axle throughthe said frame and the motor-shaft and gearing, connectinggearingbetween the motor-shaft and axle supported independently of the frame,and circuits and regulating apparatus carried upon the vehicle forcontrolling t-he current leading from the source of electrical energy tothe motor.

'.13. In an electric ear, the combination of the axles, a framesupported upon said axles,`

an electric motor positively and directly connected to one axle throughthe shaft and gearing and movable with respect to the other axle,whereby it may move in the arc of a circle about the axle to which it isconnected and vertically with respect to the other axle, and an elasticsupport for the motor, whereby its weight is elastically supported andsustained by both axles.

2t. In an electric railway, the combination of a suspended conductor, acollector-truck adapted to run thereon and consisting of one or morewheels provided with grooves resting against the said conductor, apivoted arm connected to the frame carried by said first-mention edwheel or wheels, a spring connecting the pivoted arm with the saidframe, a grooved collector-wheel carried by the free end of said pivotedarm and movable against the conductor upon the side opposite to theiirst-nientioned wheels, a traveling vehicle, and a connecting-conductorconnecting the collector with the vehicle.

25. In an electric railway, the combination of an electrically-propelledvehicle, a suspended working-conductor, a collector-truck adapted to runthereon, provided with a pivoted springlever carrying a tension-wheel,and a connectingconductor connecting the spring-lever of the collectorwith the vehicle.

2G. The combination ot the electrically-propelled vehicle with suspendedworking-conductor I), collector Q, consisting ot` truck Q2 and itswheels Q', pivoted lever Qi", carrying tension-roller Qi, spring q, andconductor Q1", connecting the lever Q3 with the traveling vehicle.

27. In an electric railway, an electricallypropelled vehicle, incombination with a suspended conductor, a gripping collector-truckrunning upon said conductor and provided with springpressedgripping-rollers, and a towing-com luctor connecting it with the vehicleand directly acting against the spring of the gripping portion of thecollector, the said devices working to automatically reduce the grippingaction when the collector meets with obstructions or excessiveresistance.

2S. In an electric railway, the combination of an electrically-propelledvehicle, a motor IOO arranged below the car-floor, and a dust-caseindependent of the motor, inc'losing said motor or the working partsthereof.

29. The combination of the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinally-movablemotor-shaft, a worm and Worm Wheel connection between the said shaft andaxle, a brake-shoe carried by the shaft, a stationary brake-surface soplaced that aslhe motor slows down the brakeshoe is thrust against thebrake surfaee, a movable thrust-bearing to prevent the longitudinalmovement of the motorshaft, a source of electric energy, and means` toreverse the current in the motor.

Y30. In an electrically-propelled vehicle, the combination of aWorm-wheel on the axle, a motor, a loose shaft-connection between themotor and worm, so that the motor may move longitudinally independentlyof the Worm,

and independent supports 'for tho motor and worm.

3l. In an electrically-propelled vehicle, the combination of Vthe axles,a spring-support on thel axles, an electric motor carried by thespringsupport, a flexible motor-shaft having one end connected to themotor and the other end connected to the axle through gearing, gearingbetween the motor shaft and axle, and a frame carried bythe axle`independent of the spring-support for holding the end of the flexibleshaft and gearing ina fixed relation to the axle.

In testimony of which invention I hereunto set my hand. i

RUDOLPH H. HUNTER. lVitne'sses:

RICHD. S. CHILD, J r., E. M. BREGKINREED.

